Kurrajong

Just over an hours drive from Sydney and nestled in the rolling foothills of the Blue Mountains is one of the Hawkesbury’s hidden treasures. Kurrajong instils a sense of timelessness and takes its name from ‘Currijon’, the local Aboriginal word for the string-making fibre from a species of tree found in this region. As you ascend into the ranges, wind down your windows and listen for the chime of the bellbirds.

Surrounded by farms dotted with grazing cattle and horses, passers-by will delight in the pastoral vistas leading to Kurrajong Village. Located just two minutes from the turn off on Bells Line of Road, it is the perfect location to take a break from your travels. Kurrajong gives the impression that you are far from the madding crowd, inviting you to linger and savour the country air. The village and surrounding area offers opportunities to enjoy dining in unique settings and browse boutique stores where you can buy something out of the ordinary. Superb views can be had from the land on which the church and churchyard of St. Gregory's (1845). It is 100 metres on the left from the intersection of Old Bells Line of Road and Bells Line of Road.

When travelling the Bells Line of Road we highly recommend a stop at Bellbird Lookout to observe how far you have come as you gaze down on the panoramic view of the Sydney Basin. Watch a sunrise from here - it's stunning.

Try some recreational cycling: The East Kurrajong Loop: this challenging ride through the Hawkesbury foothills has some beautiful vistas.

Kurrajong is the location of the Kurrajong Radio Museum which provides a fascinating look at radio history particularly military radios, with working displays and audio and visual things to see and hear. Railway history: the railway line from Richmond was extended to Kurrajong and it opened in 1926. The main engine that ran on this line was known as The Pansy. When it reached Kurrajong the train had climbed 146 metres in the 8 kilometres since it crossed the Hawkesbury River.  It ran at a loss and due to flooding damage and landslides it was officially closed in 1952. In the 19th and early 20th century rockmelons, peas, tomatoes, beans and watermelons were cultivated at Kurrajong. Kurrajong was known then as the 'kitchen garden of Sydney.' The produce was freighted into Sydney via the river and by road. The fertile soil, altitude and climate made the Kurrajong area suitable for growing citrus, apples, passionfruit, and grapes. Today the produce is sold locally at an orchard outlet in Grose Valley.